John Piper on Abortion...

I found this on another blog and find it so very true.

Born Blind for the Glory of God :: Desiring God Christian Resource Library

Haitian Orphans-The Information We've Gathered Part 2

Through God's leading, we have delved into a ministry...a ministry of adoption support and orphan care. Through the adoption support website we've been asked one question repeatedly, "God is turning our hearts to adoption through the devastation in Haiti. What do I do and where do I start?"

Though this blog is in response to that question, we need to back up a little bit and talk about some of the history of Haitian adoption, the reason many things are being handled the way they are, and the state of Haitian adoption now.

Before the earthquake, an orphan in Haiti would literally take years to bring home. You may have received a referral within the first year (from what we understand), but it would take around 24 months to bring your child home after he or she was referred. It was not uncommon to have a wait of three years from the first signing of a contract with an agency. It was a long and daunting process with rumors being whispered about a lack of transparency.

Now that we have seen, heard, and felt in our hearts and lives the catastrophic results of the Earthquakes in Haiti, our eyes are even more open to the longing to do something. Our hearts may be open to adopt one of these precious survivors and show them the love that God intends for us to share and they so readily deserve. It's hard to say how easy this will be in the future though. There are MANY unknowns.

Humanitarian parole has been offered to those children who have already been declared legally orphans and matched with families prior to the earthquake. With the right paperwork, these orphans are united with their forever families. Some of these have taken place and are still taking place.

Though we would love to see every single one of these orphans in loving homes, being able to tell who is an orphan can be a struggle after a natural disaster such as this. Many in Haitian orphanages may NOT be orphans, but placed there by families that are not able to afford to care for them. They may be visited by family with the ultimate goal to take custody back from the orphanage at a later date. This is not uncommon. This is one of the reasons that idea of bringing a mass airlift of children over to the United States is not considered to be the right thing to do. The hope is to reunite families.

Do we agree with this...No and yes.

No, because the physical well being of the children (just the opportunity to survive) has to be first and foremost. Even the thought of a group home in the states for a short period of time (until they had the facilities to care for these children in Haiti) seems a better option than letting them face hunger, unclean drinking water, and the dangers we are now seeing for their physical well being. We need to keep these precious blessings alive FIRST.

On one hand the answer is yes, they are right, do not do a mass airlift. These children need their family. Their biological family is the first and best option (in most cases). They need to be reunited if they have living family. They need to be in the country of Haiti to raise this possibility. The thought of your own child being airlifted out of the country you're in, as you're trying to make your way to them, adds tragedy to tragedy.

Though we first and foremost believe the countries need (and many are not) to prioritize the children's survival, health, and safety.... it is not as clear cut as many believe.

This is a hard and difficult subject. My husband and I would gladly, praising God, fill our arms with more precious blessings, but right now that is not the governments plan for Haitian orphans...right or wrong, this is the reality.

There are still so many rumors flying about orphans NOT matched to families being flown over here. From research and digging this does not seem to be reality (the best we can ascertain).

So what do you do if you wish to adopt from Haiti in the future? We can make some recommendations, but that's all they are....

Haiti is currently closed to adoption, as many of you know.

Will they open up soon? There's no guarantee. In the past, countries that have closed their doors for the purpose of revamping their system or corruption have had a unpredictable reopening time frame. There were always many rumors that they would open next week or next month, and a year later they still weren't open. There is talk that Haiti's closing won't last long. We will hope and pray that it is so, but there really is no date we feel confident enough to list. It could be a month or a year...there is no telling.

Will they expedite the process since the earthquakes? There is a hope that the process will be expedited and not be NEAR as long. We, again, pray that this may be so...but cannot predict the future. There are just so many unknowns.

No matter the wait or the time frame though, these children will need homes. They will need to be held and loved. They will need families to remember them months or years after this earthquake. Their need for a family to show them the love for Jesus will not diminish because of time.

Our first suggestion, if you are wishing to adopt from Haiti, is to pray, "What would you have me do Lord?" God knows how He will knit together your family. He knows, beyond your yearnings to open your arms, what will bring glory to His name in your life. We've seen many in other situations who assume they know what God has wanted for them, but found out differently. Our Heavenly Father knows your family, past, present, and future...ask Him.

After you have diligently been seeking God's will and if He convicts your hearts...here are some suggestions or possibilities.

With Haiti closed, it is possible that many agencies will not accept applications from families wishing to adopt from Haiti. These agencies, though, may be able to tell you what you CAN do to get ready for Haiti to reopen. They may recommend getting a country specific home study for the day that Haiti does reopen. If it takes longer than is expected, you may have to get a home study update eventually, but this would enable you to act quicker when the country opens.

Talk to an agency though! These agencies may all have different requirements and you don't want to feel like your ahead and find out you will have to redo everything. Some may let you or encourage you to get ahead...there is just no telling with so many agencies out there (many with different requirements).

Here are a couple of agencies that we have heard good things about and that have an adoption program in Haiti. I'm sure there are many great agencies out there, but you will want to do your research. You can find some of the questions you need to ask here.
Holt International
Bethany Christian Services

We wish we could be of more help...give you more information. Please feel free to ask us anything. Please feel free to request prayers...you've got 'em!

One of the last things, one of the best articles we've read thus far is from Tapestry. They wrote a great article with a TON of information.

Don't forget to check the JCICS blog. for the current information on Haiti.

If you feel that God is leading you to give of yourselves in another way, please check out this post that we published earlier.

Last and most important, remember that God is in control. He is even bigger than this devastation. He is even bigger than any government. We must act and we must seek God for the best way to do that.

May God give you clarity as you seek His will.

Four Months Waiting and Celebrating with a Coffee Giveaway!

Many of us have seen the pictures of the Haitian orphans. These precious innocents that are not only finding it a challenge just to survive, but threatened by the unscrupulous evil that is very alive in this world.

We find that this month the suffering pierces our hearts even more (if that is possible). Yet with all the anguish, pictures, and hearts breaking....we still long for our little ones across the world in the beautiful country of Ethiopia.

In this last month at least two sets of parents (that we are aware of)suffered the heart breaking reality of the death of their child...a child they hadn't yet held...a child who had left a footprint on their heart. They had seen their pictures and called them their child. They were referred these children and they were their parents (in their hearts) already. To these families, we are praying for your comfort and peace. A while back I asked my social worker (at our previous agency) about having to break this kind of news. This is one of the agencies that hold themselves to a much greater standard...yet even she had to deliver this kind of crushing news to families.

On one hand, we're not worried for our children. God has brought us this far and we must trust Him or lose sanity :). On the other hand, in our humanness our hearts are laid open...praying beyond words that God's hand is on our children, blessing them, comforting them, keeping them safe until they are in our arms.

So we are now creeping up on February 6th, the day we will have been on the waiting list (for referral) for 4 months. It's not very long in the big scheme of things....

To celebrate this milestone...and yes, it is a celebration...we are having another small giveaway. This month we are giving away a 13oz bag of ground Ethiopian Sidamo coffee. We know so many coffee drinkers out there and this coffee is special...this coffee is supporting a beautiful family beginning their adoption journey. This coffee is helping bring children home.

If you'd like to shop to support this family, you can order coffee yourself right here.

We will draw a name on Saturday, February 6th. Please leave at least your first name and a way for us to contact you. Just scroll down to the end of the blog and click on "Post a Comment". Sorry, but we are only able to ship within the United States.

It is an honor for us to share our journey with you. As you know, God has convicted us and placed on our hearts the plight of orphans around the world. If you have a moment here are some of our thoughts....
My Child
Let Me Tell You About Jesus
The Effect of Economy on Orphans
I Choose to be Blessed

Please join us in prayer...if you have a moment...

ADOPTION PRAYER REQUESTS AND PRAISES!

Praises!!!
God has brought us a long way in this adoption. He’s touched hearts and supplied funds in ways we didn't think possible!

Immediate Adoption Process Prayer Requests
*That the funds pour in like water in a surge of blessing and that God blesses us with the funds to accept the referral and travel when the time comes.
*That God’s hand is on the remaining paperwork and that they proceed with not a glitch, quickly and correctly. These are the papers we will need to accept the referral of our sweet little blessings, the papers to pass court, and the papers to bring them home.
*That our twins may be gathered into our family with a quickness blessed by God.

All Adoption Prayer Requests:
Please Pray…..
*For these little ones God has chosen to place in our family…for their physical and emotional health in a difficult place.
*For their biological family…that God has His hand on them and brings them peace in whatever they must face and the choices they will be making. Also, please pray that they come to know Christ and the peace only He can give.
*That God has His hand on this adoption, guiding us, bringing peace, and financially providing.
*Last, though it may seem a bit premature, please specifically pray that once we are referred our little ones, that they come home quickly and pass court the first time (many are starting to have multiple court dates and a LONG wait until travel). The Ethiopian government is being very cautious and caring with their wonderful children though and for that we are so thankful.
* That we have peace and not stress, trusting God in every step.

We also pray that hearts are convicted daily to open their families and lives to orphans around the world.

____________________________________

Also, please join us in prayers for three beautiful Christian families and five sweet children who are facing obstacles above and beyond what a adoption process usually looks like. This used to be four families, but God brought sweet Jubilee home from China just about a week ago. Governments will literally have to move for these older and special needs children to come home. Families are waiting for them and we are SO excited to see God work in these lives and these governments to bring these adoptive blessings home!

Olivia Mame (Ethiopia)-I would like to ask your prayers for a little sweet young girl in Ethiopia named Olivia Mame. There are some very immense road blocks, serious ones, that have to be conquered in order to finish the adoption of this precious young lady.

Daniel (Liberia)-A little one with hydrocephaly awaits his family. Please pray that Daniel does not deteriorate farther and that people in authority to move this case feel the passion to see this through quickly. There are also two more beautiful sweet blessings this family is trying to bring home as well.

Ronaldo and Julia (Guatemala)-For years this family has been trying to get their beautiful future children out of Guatemala. Every time it seems close there is another glitch. Please pray with us. Please pray that EVERY problem is resolved and every piece of paper has the perfection only God can give.

alt="MckLinky Blog Hop" longdesc="http://www.mcklinky.com" />

target="_blank">Click here to see the entire Blog Hop List....

Total Adoptions in 2009

The statistics were released by our government on inter-country adoptions that took place in 2009. Many of us (me included) have been concerned about what the economy is doing to the fatherless around the world. I've blogged about it before in "The Effect of the Economy on Orphans". It breaks my heart to think of the children waiting for someone to say,this is "My Child".

May we all seek God and ask Him, "What would you have me do Lord?"

Obeying God No Matter the Outcome

We know we tend to focus predominantly on orphans, but the importance of taking care of the elderly hits our hearts as well. What an opportunity to minister during the ending of a persons days. What an opportunity to share the love of Jesus.

The following blog deals with not only the elderly, but saying "Yes" to God, no matter the outcome. Sometimes the goal is the surrender and being willing IF God wills.

If you have a chance you need to read this blog at The Journey.

A Must Read Blog

I just sat down and read a blog that brought tears to my eyes (in a good way).

We've always told our children the truth when we said, "God told us where you were and we just brought you home."

This author said it much more eloquently. Please read this lovely truth in The Divine Appointment.

Haitian Orphans-The Information We've Gathered

Many have asked me the information (and sources of this information) that we have on the plight of the orphans in Haiti.

I've heard a story about a four year old, being cared for by a homeless man, because there is no orphanage that will take him. I've heard of a six year old trying to explain, when his two younger siblings needed amputation's, that he WAS the parent. I've heard of children left unattended in hospitals for days with no one checking on them. We've all heard the stories, they're horrific and very real.

Not only are orphanages struggling to obtain food and drinkable water, but are at times being raided for what supplies they do have. Besides injuries, living on the streets, aftershocks, and food and water, we also need to remember that child trafficking is a real threat as well.

We live in prayer.

Through the adoption community we have obtained some information from places that others may not be aware of. JCICS stands for the Joint Counsel on International Children's Services. It's attempting to advocate for the Haitian orphans right now (and is normally advocating for the rights of the orphans around the world and participates in humanitarian aid). The JCICS has the most current information and more accurate than many news reports. From the JCICS Website....

_______________________________

"Humanitarian parole into the United States may be granted by the Secretary of Homeland Security to bring otherwise inadmissible individuals into the country on account of urgent humanitarian reasons or other emergencies. The humanitarian parole policy announced by Secretary Napolitano today will be applied on a case-by-case basis to the following children:

•Children who have been legally confirmed as orphans eligible for inter-country adoption by the Government of Haiti and are being adopted by U.S. citizens.
•Children who have been previously identified by an adoption service provider or facilitator as eligible for inter-country adoption and have been matched to U.S. citizen prospective adoptive parents.
Under applicable laws, unaccompanied minors entering the country without a parent or legal guardian will be turned over to the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Office of Refugee Resettlement."
_______________________________

Currently they are expediting adoptions for the previous children. Much of what we hear on the news about flying in planes of children is NOT correct, except for those children previously identified.
http://betheanswerforchildren.wordpress.com or http://www.jcics.org/Haiti.htm

There are rumors in certain states of imminent arrival of Haitian orphans. Many states are trying to prepare in this eventuality, but as of yet they are just rumors. No flights are planned

The thought/hope is this. If a child was already established as an orphan before the earthquake (but not matched with a family), many hope that they will AT LEAST allow these children to be in group homes here in the States (the greater hope is a foster/adopt program). Finding paperwork is a confusing process since much paperwork was lost in the earthquake. This would create a opening at the functioning orphanages in Port Au Prince or outside of Port Au Prince. The general policy is NOT to take a child that is NOT confirmed as an orphan in the case of a natural disaster completely out of the area. Some families in a case like this will be reunited. There's a hot debate on this issue...and not a clear right answer. The only answer that is paramount is the safety and health of the children.

For now we wait for the government to make some decisions. Haiti is currently closed to new adoptions to insure that children that are labeled as orphans are truly orphans. Previously the adoptions in Haiti have been in question due to the LACK of transparency in the adoption process.

I know we are all hurting and crying and wanting to take these children into our arms. I am praying that God moves our government and others to insure these children are protected and taken care of.

Again, right now we pray.....

Ways You Can Help...Haiti

Many are wondering how to help those children and people suffering in Haiti. Here is a list of Churches and organizations currently caring for the orphans and the suffering in this situation. We've put emails out trying to gather more information. We hear a lot through the adoption community, but are trying to verify stories since there is some conflicting information. As you know many don't have the ability, as of yet, to be able to make contact. There are many brothers and sisters that may not have survived...news is still coming out slowly.

For now, here is a list of organizations that in the process of trying to relieve some of the suffering of these little ones. Also, below we will paste links to both the Christian Chronicle and the Joint Council on International Children's Services (which may have the most up to date information on what our government is doing to try to help).

Hope for Haiti’s Children
hopeforhaitischildren.org
P.O. Box 936
Sugar Land, TX 77487-0936
(281) 240-3550
info@hfhcministries.org

Estes Church of Christ
(sponsors Roberta Edwards, Son Light Children’s Home and Santo Nutrition Center)
www.estes.tn.org
P.O. Box 191
Henderson, TN 38340
Attention: Haiti Relief Effort
(731) 989-7990

Manna Global Ministries
mgm.mannadr.org
P.O. Box 2993
Clarksville, IN 47131
laurabethlamb@mannaglobalministries.org

Church of Christ of Sunrise
(collecting funds for the Delmas Church of Christ in Haiti)
6299 W. Sunrise Blvd Suite 110
Sunrise, FL 33313
(954) 520-0006
churchofchristofsunrise110@yahoo.com

West Broward Church of Christ
(supports Haiti missionary Joe Worndle)
wbcoc.com
12550 W. Broward Blvd.
Plantation, FL 33325
Attention: Haiti Disaster Relief
(954) 475-7172

Haiti Christian Development Project
www.hcdp.net
10100 Kanis Road
Little Rock, AR 72205
hcdp@cordoc.net

Christian Relief Fund
www.christianrelieffund.org
P.O. Box 19670
Amarillo, TX 79114-1670
(800) 858-4038
crfinfo@christianrelieffund.org

White’s Ferry Road Relief Ministries
www.wfrchurch.org/relief
3201 N. 7th Street
West Monroe, LA 71291
(318) 396-6000

Healing Hands International
www.hhi.org
455 McNally Drive
Nashville, TN 37211
(615) 832-2000
contact@hhi.org

Churches of Christ Disaster Response Team
www.churchesofchristdrt.org
810 Hollywood Blvd.
West Melbourne, FL 32904
(937) 308-2259
info@churchesofchristdrt.org

Bread for a Hungry World
www.givebread.org
6250 NE Loop 820
North Richland Hills, TX 76180-7899
(817) 485-9944
bobby@givebread.org

Northeast Church of Christ
(oversees the work of a Preacher Training School in Port-au-Prince)
www.northeastchurch.org
2217 Beechnut Drive
Kingsport, TN 37660
(423) 288-7910
skross@chartertn.net or driley44@chartertn.net

Southwest Church of Christ
(please note "Haiti Earthquake Relief")
www.swcocada.com
505 W. 17th
Ada, OK 74820


Joint Council on International Children's Services can be found on this site.


The Christian Chronicle can be found on this site.

Why I Haven't Posted About Haiti...

The situation in Haiti is beyond words for me right now. I am overwhelmed with emotion...drop to your knees, mind can't get wrapped around it emotion. It reminds me of 9/11, where it is just difficult for me to process...the sheer magnitude. I feel helpless. Thankfully God is much bigger than this...

We will glorify Him in this tragedy. We will see His name exalted and many brought to their knees. We will see people wake up from the deep slumber of complacency and begin to "do" instead of watch.

Even knowing this I still, in some ways, feel helpless. I long to take every one of these innocent little blessings, orphaned and alone, into my arms. I long to comfort these sweet parents mourning a vital part of them lost, their children. I long to wrap blankets around the widows in their sorrow. So I pray, we all must pray.

I'm sorry I haven't written more, done more...right now I just can't.

Thankfully, God can....
_________________________________

To see a blog that will bring you to your knees...read this blog at "Ordinary Hero".

Max ER Update

Update: My husband took our son Max (7) to the ER. Max fell and hit his eye before he had time to shut it. He has an abrasion on his eye the size of the tip of a finger. The doctors don't want to give him a patch. They said they want him to be able to flush his wound naturally with tears from blinking and a hot eye patch is a breeding ground for bacteria. He is to see an Opthamologist in the morning. Max is NOT going to love taking his meds ALL NIGHT LONG...he has to take anti-inflammatory meds before bed and antibiotics eye drops every 2 hours. Right now Max is in pain, but thinks it's a little cool that he's seeing yellow from the dye they put in his eye.

We're concerned, but we know God has this under control. We do trust these doctors and actually drive farther just to go to this ER. Please, if you have a moment, pray for our son...his healing and the sight in his eye.

Thank you all so much....

Max's Eye-On the Way to the ER

We are asking for prayers for Max (7). He fell an hit his eye (didn't have time to close it) and his pupil has what looks like a tear on the outermost thin layer. My husband is on the way to the ER with him. He's not in a ton of pain (thinks it's a tad exciting), but his vision is a little fuzzy.

We're concerned, but Max has a great attitude.

We appreciate any prayers. God has this, but my mommy heart worries (even though I know I shouldn't).

Laughter Rocks! Laughing So Hard I'm Crying...

One of my awesome friends shared this with me. I thought to myself, "There is NO way this can be THAT funny." IT IS....

I'm laughing so hard I'm crying.

Seriously...Need a good laugh?

Call the Nestle Crunch Hot-line at 1-800-295-0051.

When you are asked if you want to continue in English or Spanish, just wait quietly for about 10 seconds and you'll chuckle. Promise!

Keep going & press 4.

Listen to options, then press 7.

Try not to laugh out loud because it will confuse the computer.

LAUGHTER ROCKS!!!!

Abby Riggs

As of 9am Abby Riggs (the little one with Leukemia) is in the hospital. Her temperature is 104°. She still having trouble breathing. Please petition God for healing and health for this little one.

You can read about little Abby on their blog by clicking here.

Please continue to keep Tatum and Elke (two more blessings with leukemia) in your prayers as well.

Please Pray...

A old friend from high school's son, Avery, had surgery today. He has a tumor behind his knee that was removed. Please pray for good results and for peace for the family....

Also, Abby (the little girl with leukemia) is having serious issues with her breathing and has now been admitted to the hospital. Please pray for this precious little girl.

Thank you, our brothers and sisters, for holding these children up to our Heavenly Father.

Christ's Blood Type

I've had this dream twice now. A dream about how we let others blood stand in the way of Christ. There are so many blood types out there, but not one has been poured out for everything we've EVER done wrong.

A WORLD FULL OF BLOOD TYPES TO LOOK TO

There are many types of blood out there that we look to for answers. Often the ones we look to most are right in front of us. They are the preachers or teachers. They are the Sunday School leaders and Youth Ministers that seem to ROCK our Christian world. They are often the pillars of faith...authors, speakers, leaders, musicians.... we observe while thinking, "I could never be as influential as he or she is". They are often our parents, family, and friends who have set such a wonderful example.

It's easy to get off track and focus on those in front of us, feeling like they can lead the way...like they can bridge the gap of our understanding.

The problem with this is that their pedestal is marred. Their blood type is that of the rest of humanity. They will fail... and often, when one of these spiritual mentors fail, people will walk away....from Christ....from the Church. You see we're looking to a human blood type to lead us to our promise of Salvation. The only one that can lead us is Jesus Christ crucified. I think Paul said it best when he wrote to the Church in Corinth in I Corinthians 1:12-17.

"What I mean is this: One of you says, 'I follow Paul'; another, 'I follow Apollos'; another, 'I follow Cephas'; still another, 'I follow Christ.' Is Christ divided? Was Paul crucified for you? Were you baptized into the name of Paul? I am thankful that I did not baptize any of you except Crispus and Gaius, so no one can say that you were baptized into my name. (Yes, I also baptized the household of Stephanas; beyond that, I don't remember if I baptized anyone else.) For Christ did not send me to baptize, but to preach the gospel—not with words of human wisdom, lest the cross of Christ be emptied of its power."

LOOKING TO OURSELVES

Another stumbling block that causes us to fumble the ball , stares back at us from the mirror every morning. Heavy, thin, angular, round....the face that stares back at us also has a blood type distinctly human.

At times we look to ourselves as a source of salvation. We think that if we "do" enough, work enough, go to Church enough, or even read the Bible and pray enough, we will earn what Christ has freely given to those who follow Him. We attempt to take away value from the blood of Christ and mix it in with the value we place on our thoughts and actions. It doesn't mix well. Our blood cannot earn the mended chasm that Christ's death put into play. Our actions, purity, thought, or lives cannot reach such a pinnacle of "rightness" that we obtain salvation on our own merits. Our own blood type cannot equal that of Christ.

THROUGH THE BLOOD OF JESUS CHRIST

As I picture these vials of blood setting on the counter of a crisp, antiseptically clean room, I think of how little this blood actually means. This blood is important to be able to function as a human, but since our walk here on earth is temporary....it has limited use.

The blood flowing through Christs' veins has a life giving essence. It is pumping life into each of our eternal systems. It's salvation lies in the fact that this blood stopped, it stopped pumping for us and it began again in order to finish the plan of His Father...to complete salvation through the blood of Jesus Christ.

Something I Didn't Know I Needed to Read

Today I was checking a couple of the blogs I follow. I usually don't do this in the morning, but Monday is a cleaning, errand, and catch up day. I thought I would just take a peek. I clicked on a blog of a family that just brought home their sweet daughter from China...after God moved mountains :). Just two days ago, I asked for prayers for this family and a trial they may face.

Today, she shared about a miracle in her life...a BIG time, no other reason, no other possibility that ANYONE could throw in there, full on, GOD IS SO POWERFUL, miracle!

I didn't know I needed to hear it today, but I did. If you have a moment, please click here and read this story that put tears in my eyes and reminded me that our all powerful God...is just that ALL POWERFUL.

Anna's New Birth Day

Today our nine year old daughter put on Christ in baptism. She gave herself to God completely. There can be no greater day in her life until she is in Jesus' arms. There will be no other day in her life as big to us as this one.

We praise God for our new sister in Christ, our sweet daughter Anna.

Daniel!!!!

Quicky update for all those who have been praying! If you look at the end of my last blog (and many others), a few precious children from around the world have been placed on our hearts. In these adoption situations, governments were required to move. These situations were above and beyond the normal challenges that adoptions face. Daniel is one of these precious blessings we have been praying for! He's the little blessing with hydrocephaly that needs to come home from Liberia quickly.

Things are moving! Daniel's adoption decree and passport processes start this week!!! God is so very good!

Please continue to pray for Daniel, that his process speeds through, and the government's reopening of adoptions in Liberia. So many children wait for their families. This sweet family also has two more children there that they are waiting to bring home. From what I understand, except for special needs children, Liberia is closed to adoptions, so these children...these blessings.... will wait.

If you would like to read more about their journey, please click here.

God is amazing! This is the second child on the prayer request list to be coming home! Jubilee is now home from China with her forever family! Their family is celebrating, but is also currently facing some challenges. Please keep them in your prayers as well. You can find their blog here.

Immediate Adoption Process Prayer Requests
*That the funds pour in like water in a surge of blessing and that God blesses us with the funds to accept the referral and travel when the time comes.
*That God’s hand is on the remaining paperwork and that they proceed with not a glitch, quickly and correctly. These are the papers we will need to accept the referral of our sweet little blessings, the papers to pass court, and the papers to bring them home.
*That our twins may be gathered into our family with a quickness blessed by God.

All Adoption Prayer Requests:
Please Pray…..
*For these little ones God has chosen to place in our family…for their physical and emotional health in a difficult place.
*For their biological family…that God has His hand on them and brings them peace in whatever they must face and the choices they will be making. Also, please pray that they come to know Christ and the peace only He can give.
*That God has His hand on this adoption, guiding us, bringing peace, and financially providing.
*Last, though it may seem a bit premature, please specifically pray that once we are referred our little ones, that they come home quickly and pass court the first time (many are starting to have multiple court dates and a LONG wait until travel). The Ethiopian government is being very cautious and caring with their wonderful children though and for that we are so thankful.
* That we have peace and not stress, trusting God in every step.

We also pray that hearts are convicted daily to open their families and lives to orphans around the world.

____________________________________

Also, please join us in prayers for three beautiful Christian families and five sweet children who are facing obstacles above and beyond what a adoption process usually looks like. This used to be four families, but God brought sweet Jubilee home from China just about a week ago. Governments will literally have to move for these older and special needs children to come home. Families are waiting for them and we are SO excited to see God work in these lives and these governments to bring these adoptive blessings home!

Olivia Mame (Ethiopia)-I would like to ask your prayers for a little sweet young girl in Ethiopia named Olivia Mame. There are some very immense road blocks, serious ones, that have to be conquered in order to finish the adoption of this precious young lady.

Daniel (Liberia)-A little one with hydrocephaly awaits his family. Please pray that Daniel does not deteriorate farther and that people in authority to move this case feel the passion to see this through quickly. There are also two more beautiful sweet blessings this family is trying to bring home as well. Daniel process is now moving. Please continue to pray for Daniel, his process to speed along, and for the Liberian government to open up to adoption again.

Ronaldo and Julia (Guatemala)-For years this family has been trying to get their beautiful future children out of Guatemala. Every time it seems close there is another glitch. Please pray with us. Please pray that EVERY problem is resolved and every piece of paper has the perfection only God can give.

Answers, Peace, and a Tad Bit of Craziness

For those of you waiting to see a picture of your future child for the first time, the wait can be really difficult. Yet, our small three month wait may not seem like much. A process of years, is what many in the adoptive world now face. So three months, well, it's not very long. If we receive our referral in an "average" time frame, we will see our children WITHIN the next three month. This is, at the outside (if we are average) a total of six months wait until referral. This is short, believe me!

Yet, in our previous adoptive journeys it was short for us. The wait was short, yet the wait time seemed like every day CRAWLED until we saw our children. It then went even SLOWER until we traveled to pick them up. We were happy, but it was a time of higher stress for us.

This time it's different. This time God has given us a peace. We are busy, yes, with five blessings at home you can be nothing but. The difference is still there though. We have been given a peace that passes understanding...quite literally. I don't understand it, except to say God's blessings abound.

The most frequent question we get nowadays is, "Any news on the twins?"

Nope, none, nada...we wait. No, God has given us an amazing peace this time and it doesn't really bother us. We're not waiting on a process. We're waiting on our children. God knows our children. We don't....no rushing it.

Wait though, in order to be completely honest, we do miss our twins terribly. We are at complete peace waiting, but at times our hearts hurt and our arms just ache to hold our children. We miss our babies. We have peace with waiting for them, yet we miss them.

God has granted us the privilege of parenting two more children. He has seen the hole in our family that we have been feeling. This large group of zany kids with wacky sense of humors are all ours, and their numbers are growing (Beware! :)). We feel the hole where our children should be.

Our sweet 13 year old put it best I think, "Mom, I hope the hole we feel in our family never goes away. I want the twins home, but after they are, I hope that feeling that we have of other children missing from our family doesn't fade."

You see, I'm not sure God is finished with us yet. Children are ALWAYS a blessing and if God leads us again, my husband and I will no longer stutter and argue, "Really God?". We will pray, pray, and pray in order to follow God and listen to Him (not our own hearts) and then follow, follow, follow (listening to God's heart).

So in answer to our second most frequently asked question, "Are you going to do this again?", we reply, "If God wills, we will."

Come enjoy the journey with us...the peace with us. It's amazingly joyful, with a tad bit of pain. It's amazingly blessed, with a tiny bit of sadness.

Most of all though, it's amazingly God's, and nothing...absolutely nothing...else matters.
____________________________________________

ADOPTION PRAYER REQUESTS AND PRAISES!

Praises!!!
God has brought us a long way in this adoption. He’s touched hearts and supplied funds in ways we didn't think possible!
We are now waiting!


Immediate Adoption Process Prayer Requests
*That the funds pour in like water in a surge of blessing and that God blesses us with the funds to accept the referral and travel when the time comes.
*That God’s hand is on the remaining paperwork and that they proceed with not a glitch, quickly and correctly. These are the papers we will need to accept the referral of our sweet little blessings, the papers to pass court, and the papers to bring them home.
*That our twins may be gathered into our family with a quickness blessed by God.

All Adoption Prayer Requests:
Please Pray…..
*For these little ones God has chosen to place in our family…for their physical and emotional health in a difficult place.
*For their biological family…that God has His hand on them and brings them peace in whatever they must face and the choices they will be making. Also, please pray that they come to know Christ and the peace only He can give.
*That God has His hand on this adoption, guiding us, bringing peace, and financially providing.
*Last, though it may seem a bit premature, please specifically pray that once we are referred our little ones, that they come home quickly and pass court the first time (many are starting to have multiple court dates and a LONG wait until travel). The Ethiopian government is being very cautious and caring with their wonderful children though and for that we are so thankful.
* That we have peace and not stress, trusting God in every step.

We also pray that hearts are convicted daily to open their families and lives to orphans around the world.

____________________________________

Also, please join us in prayers for three beautiful Christian families and five sweet children who are facing obstacles above and beyond what a adoption process usually looks like. This used to be four families, but God brought sweet Jubilee home from China just about a week ago. Governments will literally have to move for these older and special needs children to come home. Families are waiting for them and we are SO excited to see God work in these lives and these governments to bring these adoptive blessings home!

Olivia Mame (Ethiopia)-I would like to ask your prayers for a little sweet young girl in Ethiopia named Olivia Mame. There are some very immense road blocks, serious ones, that have to be conquered in order to finish the adoption of this precious young lady.

Daniel (Liberia)-A little one with hydrocephaly awaits his family. Please pray that Daniel does not deteriorate farther and that people in authority to move this case feel the passion to see this through quickly. There are also two more beautiful sweet blessings this family is trying to bring home as well.

Ronaldo and Julia (Guatemala)-For years this family has been trying to get their beautiful future children out of Guatemala. Every time it seems close there is another glitch. Please pray with us. Please pray that EVERY problem is resolved and every piece of paper has the perfection only God can give.

THREE MONTHS!!! The Winner Is......

God, in His amazing path for our lives, has led us (yet again) to wait in wonder and celebration for our little ones in Ethiopia. Today marks our three month wait for a referral and in celebration we have a winner of the "Change the World for One" T-Shirt.

Congrats Linda K! I will be emailing you after our kids go to bed tonight! Thank you all for being a part of this! It might seem like just a small little thing, but it's a celebration and blessing to us to be able to give when so much has been given to us!!!

To our little ones,

"We wait for you anxiously. We love you with every ounce of love we have. God is blessing us...with you...and that is a blessing that is bigger than we could ever ask for or imagine! Thank you our most amazing Heavenly Father!"

If you check our blog around this time next month, we hope to have our next giveaway up and running. This next time we hope to give away an item sold by another adoptive parent who is raising funds for their own adoption! If by God's grace we get a referral within the next month, we WILL still have a giveaway, it will just be a different kind of celebration!
__________________________________

ADOPTION PRAYER REQUESTS AND PRAISES!

Praises!!!
God has brought us a long way in this adoption. He’s touched hearts and supplied funds in ways we didn't think possible!
We are now waiting!


Immediate Adoption Process Prayer Requests
*That the funds pour in like water in a surge of blessing and that God blesses us with the funds to accept the referral and travel when the time comes.
*That God’s hand is on the remaining paperwork and that they proceed with not a glitch, quickly and correctly. These are the papers we will need to accept the referral of our sweet little blessings, the papers to pass court, and the papers to bring them home.
*That our twins may be gathered into our family with a quickness blessed by God.

All Adoption Prayer Requests:
Please Pray…..
*For these little ones God has chosen to place in our family…for their physical and emotional health in a difficult place.
*For their biological family…that God has His hand on them and brings them peace in whatever they must face and the choices they will be making. Also, please pray that they come to know Christ and the peace only He can give.
*That God has His hand on this adoption, guiding us, bringing peace, and financially providing.
*Last, though it may seem a bit premature, please specifically pray that once we are referred our little ones, that they come home quickly and pass court the first time (many are starting to have multiple court dates and a LONG wait until travel). The Ethiopian government is being very cautious and caring with their wonderful children though and for that we are so thankful.
* That we have peace and not stress, trusting God in every step.

We also pray that hearts are convicted daily to open their families and lives to orphans around the world.

____________________________________

Also, please join us in prayers for three beautiful Christian families and five sweet children who are facing obstacles above and beyond what a adoption process usually looks like. This used to be four families, but God brought sweet Jubilee home from China just about a week ago. Governments will literally have to move for these older and special needs children to come home. Families are waiting for them and we are SO excited to see God work in these lives and these governments to bring these adoptive blessings home!

Olivia Mame (Ethiopia)-I would like to ask your prayers for a little sweet young girl in Ethiopia named Olivia Mame. There are some very immense road blocks, serious ones, that have to be conquered in order to finish the adoption of this precious young lady.

Daniel (Liberia)-A little one with hydrocephaly awaits his family. Please pray that Daniel does not deteriorate farther and that people in authority to move this case feel the passion to see this through quickly. There are also two more beautiful sweet blessings this family is trying to bring home as well.

Ronaldo and Julia (Guatemala)-For years this family has been trying to get their beautiful future children out of Guatemala. Every time it seems close there is another glitch. Please pray with us. Please pray that EVERY problem is resolved and every piece of paper has the perfection only God can give.

Disastrous Visitors

Have you ever had one of those days where you are thinking that maybe you shouldn't have gotten out of bed? Where you are now in fear that if you move the world may spontaneously combust? (smile) You have now met my day, and it is now saying, "Very nice to meet you, can I come over?"

We've had some very unpleasant visitors today. Our very large acquaintance, Mr.Fib, started out this morning, making his presence known by playing eagerly with one of our children. He kinda takes over occasionally and invites his friends over to party. You may know them, Mrs.HadtohaveaconversationIdidnotwanttohave (even pronouncing her name is a pain) and Mr.Tripandfall. I really believe he's smuggled some more in too. He's even banding together with our cats. They fell for his old line, "They really like that smell." They fell for it so hard, that when I couldn't find their "present" and HAD to take a nap after Church, I found that it was in my room and it proceeded to take on a life of it's own. It now calls me "Mama".

My friend is sending me Destroi Andene Eye (who is usually very good at driving these uninvited guests away...she's so messy that even they don't want to be around). The only problem is that she likes to linger as well. Usually leaving a mess in her wake. She visits here sporadically, very entertaining to a few. She takes EVERYTHING out, occasionally breaks it, and then blames it on them (of course they would NEVER do that).

Me, well I'm setting here with my buddies today...Baaud Deesijohn (not native to the U.S.) and Redifo A. Gnudae. If you don't hear from me soon, our house might have gotten too crowded and I'm unable to find the phone (call for help! :))

Really though, seriously, I think these kind of days are good...they make the normal ones seem WONDERFUL :).

"Change The World for One" Giveaway

As we are praising God for the year He gave us (amazing and growing), we are reaching toward our three month marker in the wait for our twins. As we've shared in a previous giveaway, we plan on celebrating these monthly milestones with a giveaway of an adoption related item.

Orphans around the world are suffering. If God can use us to bring even a little more awareness to the reality these children face, that's what we plan on doing. If you have a chance, please read our previous post. MANY statistics were brought to our attention. They have brought us to our knees. God has convicted us. A matter of fact, the post is called Convicted.

That said, this giveaway will be a T-Shirt that says "Change the World for One". You can find the t-shirt here if you scroll down (on the right side of the screen) and let us know the size and kind (women or unisex) that you would like. The sizes can be found on this website. It will take a little bit longer than normal to get this t-shirt to you (since we will order it specifically for the winner).

Please leave some way for us to contact you in the "Comments" section at the end of the blog (after "Mck Linky"). If you don't wish to leave an email in such a public forum, you may click on the "Contact Me" link on this blog (on the right) and your message/email will go ONLY to us. We will be announcing the winner on our blog on Wednesday, January 6th, the three month marker on our wait for the twins.

Please check back next month (around the same time) for our next giveaway, celebrating another month passed waiting for our referral of twins!

If you have a moment, please continue to pray as we seek to bring our children home.

________________________

Praises!!!
God has brought us a long way in this adoption. He’s touched hearts and supplied funds in ways we didn't think possible!
We are now waiting!


Immediate Adoption Process Prayer Requests
*That the funds pour in like water in a surge of blessing and that God blesses us with the funds to accept the referral and travel when the time comes.
*That God’s hand is on the remaining paperwork and that they proceed with not a glitch, quickly and correctly. These are the papers we will need to accept the referral of our sweet little blessings, the papers to pass court, and the papers to bring them home.
*That our twins may be gathered into our family with a quickness blessed by God.

All Adoption Prayer Requests:
Please Pray…..
*For these little ones God has chosen to place in our family…for their physical and emotional health in a difficult place.
*For their biological family…that God has His hand on them and brings them peace in whatever they must face and the choices they will be making. Also, please pray that they come to know Christ and the peace only He can give.
*That God has His hand on this adoption, guiding us, bringing peace, and financially providing.
*Last, though it may seem a bit premature, please specifically pray that once we are referred our little ones, that they come home quickly and pass court the first time (many are starting to have multiple court dates and a LONG wait until travel). The Ethiopian government is being very cautious and caring with their wonderful children though and for that we are so thankful.
* That we have peace and not stress, trusting God in every step.

We also pray that hearts are convicted daily to open their families and lives to orphans around the world.

____________________________________

Also, please join us in prayers for three beautiful Christian families and five sweet children who are facing obstacles above and beyond what a adoption process usually looks like. This used to be four families, but God brought sweet Jubilee home from China just about a week ago. Governments will literally have to move for these older and special needs children to come home. Families are waiting for them and we are SO excited to see God work in these lives and these governments to bring these adoptive blessings home!

Olivia Mame (Ethiopia)-I would like to ask your prayers for a little sweet young girl in Ethiopia named Olivia Mame. There are some very immense road blocks, serious ones, that have to be conquered in order to finish the adoption of this precious young lady.

Daniel (Liberia)-A little one with hydrocephaly awaits his family. Please pray that Daniel does not deteriorate farther and that people in authority to move this case feel the passion to see this through quickly. There are also two more beautiful sweet blessings this family is trying to bring home as well.

Ronaldo and Julia (Guatemala)-For years this family has been trying to get their beautiful future children out of Guatemala. Every time it seems close there is another glitch. Please pray with us. Please pray that EVERY problem is resolved and every piece of paper has the perfection only God can give.